Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower
and inspire students to become collaborative learners
that strive for academic excellence
On behalf of all the staff at Arno, we wish you and your family
a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Time to get Merry!
PBIS/PTA Table
The PTA and PBIS team will have items for sale during the PTA Craft night on December 15 (info coming soon). For sale that evening:
Culver’s calendars for PBIS- A 2022 calendar that is filled with valuable coupons for Culver’s delicious food! The cost is $3 and $2 of that will go the building Positive Behavior Support program. We have 100 to sell and they make great stocking stuffers!
The PBIS team will also have Arno bumper stickers, smencils, Smencil pouches that can help Santa fill his Christmas list.
Conferences
A reminder that Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up on Dec. 1 and 2. Please be sure that you have signed up for a time- either in-person or virtual with your classroom teacher. Your child’s teacher will send out a Zoom link if you have signed up for a virtual conference. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
A BIGThank you to all of our families that participated in the Cookie dough fundraiser! All items will be in prior to Christmas and we will send out a notification on a pick up date when everything arrives. Thank you for your support!!
WarmingTree
In the spirit of sharing holiday warmth, we will be collecting new, warm outerwear like hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to share on our warming tree located in the main hallway. Please consider donating to help out less fortunate children by December 16. Thank you for your help
District-wideHoliday Toy Box Drive- With a Twist
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner and that we will be hosting a district-wide Holiday Toy Box Drive with a twist. Much like last year, this year’s Toy Box Drive will look a little different than years past. We will be securing the names of Allen Park Families in need and reaching out to them to see how we can help. As in the past, we will be asking individuals, teams, community businesses, etc. to adopt a child or family. WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING ANY GENTLY USED ITEMS. It will be a drive through pick up, allowing everyone to be as safe as possible.
Boxes will be placed in school buildings but all donations must be to the high school by December 3. We ask that you fill the boxes with non-perishable food items rather than toys..
For those students who would like to get their picture retaken and bought a package, they MUST bring their package down to the cameras for an even exchange, as pictures will not be reprinted unless those are returned. Our photographer will need to know what to enter in for them for those pictures to be replaced.
Strategies to KeepReading Fun & FestiveThis Holiday Break
Many of us look forward to the holiday break as a time to relax with our families. To eat delicious food, watch festive films, and spend time with our kids. We definitely think that some down time is needed, but it’s also important to keep educational practices going during the break.
To keep reading progress moving in a positive direction, and have some fun along the way, try a few of these strategies out this holiday season:
IncorporateHoliday Themed BooksInto The Mix
Make a list of holiday classics you loved as a child and look into new releases to add in to reading time. Make a goal to work your way through one book a day over the break. You might even create new bedtime habits that last into 2019 when they’re back at school.
Make it aFamilyAffair
I’m sure that you’ve heard that children will often model their behaviour after their parents. We’re not telling you to cut out all of the Home Alone and Christmas Vacation movie time, but it would be a good idea if others in the family made daily reading a practice as well. Create a nightly ritual where everyone in the family cozies up with a hot chocolate and a good book for 20-30 minutes.
Create a Recipe For Success
Encourage your kids to help you cook this holiday season. Whether it be helping with dinners or baking treats, asking your kids to participate will make for a memorable and teachable moment. Add in reading by asking them to read the recipes out loud to you.
Holidays AroundThe World
You might not personally celebrate certain holidays, but it’s a good idea to explain different cultures and traditions to your kids. This can help them to better understand some of their classmates and the world around them. Choose books that are centered on specific holidays or traditions around the world, add in learning prompts, and even activities to bring the traditions to life.
Make aDayof it
Make a plan to visit your local library or book store one day over the holiday break. If weather permits, bundle up and walk or sled there, and maybe even stop for a hot drink or tasty treat on the way home.
We hope that you’ll enjoy time off with your family over the holidays and keep reading fun and festive!
How aboutMath?
DRESSING FOR THEWEATHER
Brr! The weather has turned chilly! Although our afternoons are often warmer than mornings, please send your child to school with a warm coat daily. It’s always a good idea to dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Please label your child’s jackets and sweaters so they can find their way back to their owners if left somewhere. The Lost & Found is currently full of items needing to be claimed!
Arno will be once again doing the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough fundraiser starting Nov. 8 to help supplement the many requests we get from staff during the school year such as assessment programs, research-based activities, special project supplies, literacy materials, tech, etc. The last fundraiser helped us purchase many extra classroom supply requests, Super Cougar pizza lunch supplies, books, and professional development for teachers.
The PTA has been a tremendous resource for our building with all they have given, however, the many teacher requests received throughout the school year to give our students the very best experiences create a need to seek additional support. Therefore, we have partnered with this company to offer you a choice of items should you choose to purchase any, that would support providing more resources for our teachers. The large envelope coming home on Nov. 8 and will contain all of the information needed (and there is an online order method).
Fundraiser Timeline
November 8 – November 19 Fundraiser Sale
November 23All money and orders due (online payment option available)
Game Truck Prize for qualifying sales: TBD
**Turnover time is about 2-3 weeks, we will contact everyone when the items will be in (before Christmas)
Read by Grade Three
Arno 3rd grade parents, please take a look at the flyer below for an informational meeting Nov. 4 about the reading law and what to expect this year. This meeting will be via Zoom:
We recognize that this has been a difficult couple years for families, with reduced work hours or income, illness and the rising cost of food, gas and other monthly bills. Things may be tight and support may be needed.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are sharing the website below, “Julie’s list,” which includes many resources and supports for families in need. Thank you to the AP Social Work Team for providing this information.
Picture retake day is Dec. 2. For those students who would like to get their picture retaken and bought a package, they MUST bring their package down to the cameras for an even exchange.
Picture day is fast approaching- October 7. Below is the information you will need to do online ordering. As was the procedure last year, students may remove their mask for the picture if they are comfortable and then put it back on after the picture.
Virtual students please report between 11:00-12:00 for your pictures.
Picture Day for Arno Elementary is scheduled for Thursday, October 7, 2021 and this Picture Day event’s Order Code is 60204TF if needed.
Thank you to the Arno PTA, our teachers, and all of the volunteers that helped make this years Fun Run a huge success again! The weather was beautiful and our Cougars did a great job making the rounds around the “track” all while helping to raise money for our school!
Culver’s Scholarship Night
We have planned a restaurant night at Culvers (15655 Southfield Rd, Allen Park) for the evening of October 19 from 5:00-9:00- the best part of the night is that Arno staff will be at the restaurant helping out the Culver’s crew! All proceeds from the evening will go the Arno Scholarship fund, which gives 3 APHS students who formerly went to Arno, the chance to get some scholarship money towards college. Please come and join us and see the Arno staff in action!
Literacy Website
Mrs. Wesley, our Literacy Coach at Arno, has created a blog that contains great information and resources for families in the area of literacy . Please check it out and take advantage of all the great information.
Walk to School Day (W2SD) is an international event celebrated each year in October. This annual event began in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America, to encourage walkable communities and has grown to an international event that takes place in over 40 countries worldwide. In Michigan, over 90,000 students across 304 schools participated in W2SD events at their local schools last year. Walk to School Day encourages healthy habits, heightens awareness of traffic safety, draws attention to environmental concerns around schools, and is a great way to build local momentum for a Safe Routes to School initiative.
W2SD 2021 officially takes place on October 6.
Please see the schedule below where your child can meet Arno staff to walk into school on Oct. 6:
McLain & Park: Mr. Trionfi Regina & Rosedale: Talamonti and Johnson
Markese & Park: Mrs. Schultz Thomas & Rosedale: Mrs. Martinchick
Oceana & Park: Ms. Amonette
Jonas & Park: Miss Winkles Champaign & Park: Mrs. Kalis
Breakfast and Lunch Program
Although Breakfast and Lunch are free for every student this year, it is still important for our school that everyone fills out the Free and Reduced Lunch form. The number of approved free and reduced applications greatly affects our Title I funding from the Federal Government, which is used for our at-risk program here at Arno. I urge everyone to fill out the form, even if you think you may not qualify. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.
**If you believe that you may qualify for free or reduced lunch, we ask that you please submit the application that went home in September or pick up a new one from the office as soon as possible. Our total count for free/reduced lunch helps the district receive federal funds to run our Title 1 program and help our at-risk students.
If you are not sure about the guidelines or have
any other questions, please call the office @827-1050
Thank you everyone who came out to our first ever before school meet the teacher open house. We heard a lot of positive comments and hopefully it calmed some first day jitters. In addition to meeting our classroom staff, we have some short introduction videos from our special teachers and district ESL teacher:
Time to get those costumes on the kids and come on down to Arno on Oct. 29 at 10:00 for our annual Halloween Parade. Our route will take us out of the 5th grade doors that morning, making a loop on the inside perimeter of the playground. Please join us around the outside perimeter of the playground for the best seats, unfortunately we will not be allowing classroom visits that day. It is a district PD day with an 11:30 dismissal that morning.
Thank you again Mr. Peace for helping us build a positive, safe learning environment at Arno!
Time to Move!
Starting Smarter
Please check out the state of Michigan’s Start Smart website that will help you understand all of your child’s M-STEP test scores and how best you can help them.
Families will complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families every day prior to sending children to school. If you answer “YES” to one or more questions, you MUST keep your child home from school that day and consult your primary care provider.
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases must be reported immediately to the school office.
Please report all absences to the school office by 9:00am.
All students in all grades will be required to wear masks at all times in the school building unless eating or drinking. Please practice mask wearing for extended periods of time in the coming days.
As we all need to get our children to school, safety is always the primary concern. We will do our best to help ensure an orderly drop-off/pick-up daily, but we need your help in making that happen.
** No child should run across the street to get into a car, or out.
**Help our traffic issues around school by parking a block or so away and WALKING your child before and after school.
**School traffic flow MUST go clockwise around the school. Make sure that your passenger door is ALWAYS closest to the curb.
**We now have some volunteers for the dropoff/pickup, but we need more. Please contact the office if you can help out!
BE SMART! BE PATIENT! BE CARING! BE KIND!!! BE RESPONSIBLE!!
Gleaners Mobile Pantries
Gleaners is now offering mobile pantries in some
communities. Below is the website address for a list of
food distribution locations.
Families can also call 2-1-1 to find the nearest pantry
and/or locate other necessary resources.
“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school! Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!
On behalf of the entire Arno staff, I would like to welcome all of our wonderful families back to another great school year! I would also like to extend a warm welcome to those families who are new to our building this year, a truly remarkable year awaits you. We are very excited to get started with much anticipation of Cougar success.
As we look ahead, we believe that this will be a banner year- bouncing back from the pandemic and doing so strong and together! Arno will be assessing and analyzing our data carefully to plan our next steps and start erasing any losses that occurred the past two years. I look forward to all of our future accomplishments this year as we help all of our students at Arno master their academics!
We also continue to look forward to all of the fun PTA events, assemblies, and other possible events as we are able to offer them. I believe in all of our students and staff here at Arno and I know it’s going to be an unbelievable year of accomplishment!
Start Strong!!
Coming soon to Arno…
Sept. 2
Meet the Teacher Open House 6:30-7:30
Sept. 7
First Day of School- Full day
Sept. 9
PBIS Stations
PTA First Meeting – Please join us! 6:30
Sept. 22
Fire Drill
Sept. 24
Fun Run- More info soon
Sept. 30
Fire Drill
Arno Vision
Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower
and inspire students to become collaborative learners
that strive for academic excellence
Parent Connect- Student Placement Info
It’s time to complete the “Back to School Updates” located through your parent connect portal. This takes the place of school buildings sending home emergency cards/paperwork to be updated. The instructions are below along with the steps to request your PIN and password if needed.
ALL enrolled students, including new enrollments for this school year, are required to have the “Back to School Updates” completed by a parent/guardian, before their teacher placement will be available to view.
Please click on “Need Your Login Information,” on the Parent Connect Login page left tab, to access your PIN and password before emailing parentconnecthelp@appublicschools.com for assistance. (When emailing for PIN and password please include your students name, school and your name and email address.)
The 2021-22 Back to School Updates are now available to complete. You can access the Back to School Updates from your “Back to School Updates” tab found in the upper right corner of your parent connect page once you login.
You will need to click on the “Update Now” for each student and confirm all the areas.
The Arno Staff 2021-22
Young fives
Jeanine Haskin
Kindergarten
Cassie Harrison
Kindergarten
Nickie Roller
Kindergarten
Cristina Mercer
First Grade
Julie Martinchick
First Grade
Barb Pushman
First Grade
Dawn Watson
Second Grade
Nicole Amonette
Second Grade
Alexandra Cervantes
Second Grade
Megan Schultz
Third Grade
Sarah Kalis
Third Grade
Renee Guyot
Third Grade
Rachel Warneck
Fourth Grade
Megan Johnson
Fourth Grade
Emilie Talamonti
Fourth Grade
Brian Trionfi
Fifth Grade
Ciara Zuke
Fifth Grade
Lindsay Garza
Fifth Grade
Erin Higgins
Cross Categorical Classroom
Katie Jensen
ECP Program
Sara Bleau
Life Skills
Stella Boyer
Media Lit Arno/Bennie
Colleen Byrne
Media Tech Arno/Bennie
Carrie Solak
Art Arno/Bennie
Elisabeth Cunningham
Art Arno/Lindemann
Rachel Trapani
Speech-Language Pathologist
Andrea Alvarez
Vocal Music
Kristi Kruger
Instrumental/Vocal Music
Jeff Skebo
Physical Education Arno/Bennie
Lisa Smalley
Social Work Arno
School Psychologist
Dana Brown T W Th
Deb Green M F
Resource Room
Michele Sbonek
ECP Speech
Taylor Cuddy
Reading Coach/Title I
Beth Wesley
ESL
Jennifer VanMael
Meet the Teacher
Be sure to mark Sept. 2 on your calendar for our Meet the Teacher night. This is a wonderful opportunity to come to Arno and meet your child’s teacher, learn about grade level curriculum, classroom policies, and important classroom information.
This year’s Meet the Teacher Night will be an Open House on September 2 from 6:30-7:30pm.
Masks are required for all students and family members attending Meet the Teacher Night.
Students are encouraged to attend Meet the Teacher Night with their family.
Meet the Teacher attendance will be staggered to encourage social distancing Please arrive and depart promptly according to the schedule below.
Families will be divided into two groups by alphabet with 20 minute sessions (6:30-6:50 and 7:00-7:20)
Last Names A-M — 6:30-6:50pm
Last Names N-Z — 7:00-7:20pm
If your family has multiple last names, please follow the schedule for your oldest child’s last name
What to expect during Meet the Teacher Night:
Meet your child’s teacher
Bring supplies to drop off
Receive a packet of information about classroom procedures and curriculum
**If you have additional questions or concerns, due to time, please feel free to email your child’s teacher after the evening is over.
There will also be a short presentation from our Title I coordinator and reading coach, Beth Wesley, at 6:15-6:25 in the media center
Please call 313-827-1050 if you have any questions.
See you there!
NEW! Family Screening Protocol for Covid
Families will complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families every day prior to sending children to school. If you answer “YES” to one or more questions, you MUST keep your child home from school that day and consult your primary care provider.
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases must be reported immediately to the school office.
Please report all absences to the school office by 9:00am.
All students in all grades will be required to wear masks at all times in the school building unless eating or drinking. Please practice mask wearing for extended periods of time in the coming days.
All students will attend in-person instruction Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 3:30pm.
Bus transportation will run according to schedules provided through the Transportation Department.
GENERAL INFORMATION
All students in all grades will be required to wear masks at all times in the school building unless eating or drinking. Please practice mask wearing for extended periods of time in the coming days.
Please provide a spare mask in a plastic bag in your child’s backpack. We will have extra masks available if needed.
Masks should:
Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric
Completely cover your nose and mouth
Fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps
Gaiter masks: Single-layer gaiter masks are not recommended by the CDC.
Current spacing between desks in classrooms ranges from 18” to 36”.
If you have a district-owned Chromebook from last school year, it should come back to school with your child on the first day. Please make sure the charger is included.
All students will be issued a district-owned Chromebook during the first week of school.
Chromebooks are 11” and families are welcome to purchase protective sleeves, if desired.
Every day, Chromebooks and chargers will go back and forth from home to school.
Please ensure that your child’s Chromebook is fully charged each night before coming to school.
Students will need headphones or earbuds that will remain at school. Label with your child’s name.
Classroom surfaces will be regularly cleaned throughout the school day by adults and with the assistance of students where appropriate.
Supply lists are on the school websites or blog, and sent to families. Supplies are able to be dropped off during Meet the Teacher Night or brought on the first day of school.
Individual water bottles are recommended. Please consider a pop-top or straw-type if possible to avoid spills onto school materials or technology. Label with your child’s name.
Please practice independence with shoe tying, zippering, buttoning, and other clothing features with your child.
All grades will administer the NWEA to students in person by October 1. Your child’s teacher will provide these details to you.
Our PTAs provide support to our schools in many ways. Please look for upcoming information on ways to join our PTA.
VISITORS
At this time, limited visitors will be allowed in the building. When this policy changes, we will let the community know.
Meetings may be held by video chat or in person, depending on the nature of the meeting and comfort of the participants. In-person meetings will require all participants to wear masks, mitigation strategies and social distancing.
Whenever possible, please refrain from bringing forgotten items to school after the start of the school day. This includes homework, classwork, textbooks, etc.
All visitors MUST go to the main entrance and use the doorbell to inform the office staff what you are at the building for. Office staff will let you know from there what you should do.
It is imperative we know who is in our buildings to ensure for proper contact tracing if needed. Please do NOT enter the building when doors are open during arrival and dismissal.
When picking up a child early, please ring the doorbell and let the office staff know who you are picking up. Office staff will walk the child outside to you at the main entrance.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Families will complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families every day prior to sending children to school. If you answer “YES” to one or more questions, you MUST keep your child home from school that day and consult your primary care provider.
Families do not need to print the screener or fill anything out online, but must answer these questions at home every morning for yourself.
Doors will open upon the morning bell at 8:30am. Students may enter at assigned entry door (see attachment).
Students should not be lining up prior to 8:30am as there will not be outside supervision for students.
Upon arrival, if there is a line forming, students should wait on the painted paw prints.
Arrival beyond 8:45am will be considered tardy and students must be buzzed in through the front doors of the school.
FOOD SERVICE PROCEDURES
Breakfast and lunch will be provided through the Food Service Department free of charge through the end of the school year, or until federal funding expires!
Please apply for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits by October 5, even if you think you may not qualify. Our schools receive additional funding for the number of students eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch. Applications and directions are available on the Food Services page of the AP website: Food Services Website
Breakfast may be ordered by students and will be bagged and sent home daily. Breakfast will not be served in the cafeteria.
All students will eat lunch in the cafeteria.
Students may still bring lunches from home if desired.
Please avoid sending lunches with peanut butter products whenever possible.
Please practice the process of opening food packages with your child. Encourage your child to open food packages independently.
Whenever weather permits, students will have outdoor recess. Masks may be removed during outdoor recess.
During inclement weather, recess will be held indoors, students will need to wear masks.
SPECIAL CLASSES
All special classes (Art, Music, Phys Ed, Media Lit & Media Tech) will be held in specials classrooms. Schedule will be provided by your child’s teacher.
Band will be offered once a week during the school day for 5th grade students, with a rotating additional after-school time once per week. Students will receive information about participation and instrument selection throughout the first few weeks of school. Stay tuned for information from Mr. Skebo.
Please consider the following for specials:
Phys Ed classes will be outside whenever possible, weather permitting. Phys Ed classes require students to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing.
Media Tech classes will likely require headphones and Chromebooks.
Art classes may utilize some shared materials. Materials will be sanitized between classes.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Dismissal time is 3:30pm at assigned dismissal doors.
PLEASE NOTE that the dismissal door may not be the same as the child’s entry door!
Parents with multiple children: please meet your youngest child at his or her exit door first. Make a plan with your older children about where to meet you (wait at their door, meet at a designated spot, etc.).
Please leave the school grounds as soon as you connect with your child(ren) so as to promote social distancing.
From the PTA
Welcome back Arno Cougar Parents!
Come find us by the main doors during Meet the Teacher, next Thursday, Sept 2nd at 6:30 pm. We will have information about what the PTA does, membership forms, and Spirit Wear for sale.
Our first PTA meeting will be held in the cafeteria at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Sept 9 th . It will be in-person and childcare will be provided for all Arno students. PLEASE JOIN US!
Our annual Fun Run will run from Sept 13 th – Oct 8 th . The actual Fun Run will be held Sept 24 th on the playground. More information will be sent home with your child in the coming weeks.
The Membership Drive will be running from Sept 7 th – Oct 22 nd . Forms will be sent home on the first day of school and a link will be posted on our Facebook page.
Summer Reading Logs
Please be sure to send in your child’s summer reading log if they completed one so that they can receive their prize (which is a surprise). The deadline to turn the log in is Sept. 13 to your child’s classroom teacher.
How does sleep affect children’s school test scores?
Despite the well known facts about the importance of sleep in child development, many kids these days don’t get nearly enough sleep. In fact, according to one international study conducted several years ago, Australian children are among the most sleep deprived in the world.
Children who don’t get the recommended amount of sleep tend to be tired, moody and more prone to mental health problems than those who do. However, if your kid is consistently undersleeping, you’re likely to get not only a moody teenager or an anxious second grader. Their academic performance will suffer as well.
Sleep is essential for brain development
The general guidelines are that school children up to the age of 13 should have 9-11 hours of sleep every night, and teenagers 14-17 should get between 8 and 10 hours. Young adults aged 18-25 should sleep 7-9 hours a night.
REM sleep, in particular, (also called dreaming sleep) is responsible for the person’s ability to store certain types of memory, as well as for internalizing complex mathematical concepts and general brain development.
Lack of sleep and academic performance
Not surprisingly, a number of studies have shown that the lack of sleep directly affects children’s test scores.
Researchers from Boston College (US) carried out an international comparison of the academic performance of 900,000 students in more than 50 countries while keeping track of the students’ sleep patterns. The study found that students who consistently got more sleep also achieved higher grades in maths, science and reading.
Primary school students raising hands to answer the teacher’s question.
“It’s the same link for children who are lacking basic nutrition,” said Chad Minnich, a researcher at the Lynch School of Education, Boston College, talking to BBC News.
In another study, researchers recorded sleep patterns of 621 first-year university students in Belgium, and later found that those students who had better sleep habits performed better on their exams. Specifically, the test scores of those students who slept at least seven hours per night were about 10 percent higher than those who didn’t get that much sleep.
Why exactly this difference? Because, according to one of the study’s co-authors Dr. Stijn Baert, quoted in Huffington Post, “new knowledge is integrated into our existing knowledge base while we sleep.”
What do we do?
If you’re a parent and this worries you, you’re right to be concerned. Test scores are, of course, important.
But the good news is that these negative effects can be reversed. If a child starts getting enough sleep on a regular basis (not just trying to catch up on sleep whenever possible), their learning outcomes will soon improve.
Most importantly, remember that if your child constantly misses out on sleep, poor test scores are just one symptom of a much bigger problem. Long term sleep deprivation translates directly into many serious health issues later in life.
Help them improve their sleep habits and you’ll be giving them a gift much bigger than the top score on their next math test.
NWEA
This year we will assess our students in the NWEA test for reading and math. Testing will be done throughout September, giving us the data that is imperative this year to planning out a course to success. Your child’s classroom teacher will let you know when they will have the test in their classroom.
Starting Smarter
Please check out the state of Michigan’s Start Smart website that will help you understand all of your child’s M-STEP test scores and how best you can help them.
Line-up procedures will remain the same as last year with outdoor lineup
Students should line up at their assigned door
Parents will not permitted to enter with students/stand in the halls- normal protocol to sign in with the main office does not change
Students will enter the classroom at the 8:30 bell
Door Assignments for Line Up
Traffic Pattern
Parking/Drop-off
As we all need to get our children to school, safety is always the primary concern. We will do our best to help ensure an orderly drop-off/pick-up daily, but we need your help in making that happen.
** No child should run across the street to get into a car.
**Help our traffic issues around school by parking a block or so away and WALKING your child before and after school.
**School traffic flow MUST go clockwise around the school. Make sure that your passenger door is ALWAYS closest to the curb.
BE SMART! BE PATIENT! BE CARING! BE KIND!!! BE RESPONSIBLE!!
2021-22 School Information
Office is open daily: 7:30-4:00
School day for students: 8:30-3:30
Latchkey hours: 7:00-8:30
3:30-6:00
Student arrival time: 8:20
Half-Day dismissal 11:30
*If your child is not picked up consistently 20 minutes past dismissal, you will be required to enroll in latchkey services.
Student Attendance
Please read the attitude article on the importance of student attendance, which is mandatory by the laws of the State of Michigan. Please be aware that we are required to follow up with families either verbally, in writing, or both when absences reach the 10 full day mark.
Although Breakfast and Lunch are free for every student this year, it is still important for our school that everyone fills out the Free and Reduced Lunch form. The number of approved free and reduced applications greatly affects our Title I funding from the Federal Government, which is used for our at-risk program here at Arno. I urge everyone to fill out the form, even if you think you may not qualify. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.
**If you believe that you may qualify for free or reduced lunch, we ask that you please submit the application that went home in September or pick up a new one from the office as soon as possible. Our total count for free/reduced lunch helps the district receive federal funds to run our Title 1 program and help our at-risk students.
If you are not sure about the guidelines or have
any other questions, please call the office @827-1050
Please mark your calendars for October 7 for picture day, retakes will be on Dec. 2. Information will be coming home soon.
Although we cherish every birthday here at Arno, we wanted to remind everyone that birthday food treats are not allowed and will not be brought down to the classroom. Pencils, bookmarks, etc are acceptable alternatives. Thank you for your support!!
I want to wish everyone a tremendously awesome summer! There have been many challenges we have faced this year- but we have faced them together and persevered for the best possible outcomes for all of our kids.
I cannot thank you enough for being a working partner with for your child’s education and bright future. I encourage you to help your child retain what they have learned over the summer by reading lots of books and making fun trips to the library.
Through remote, virtual, and in-person, our Arno Cougars have made us proud and now that things are looking up, I wish everyone a happy summer and I look forward to seeing everyone back in the fall!
-Mr. Zielinski
Arno PTA
Wow, it’s summertime already; what a year we have had! We are looking for people that are interested and learning more about being a PTA board member. All positions will be open for the 2022-2023 school year, as all current board members will be stepping down from our positions. If you’re interested in learning more about any of the positions, please let us know. We are more than happy to give any information. Email us at arnopta@gmail.com.
The PTA is having an end of the school year Arno Spirit Wear sale. All T-shirts only $5 and all hoodies only $10! Limited designs and quantities left. Grab yours before they sell out.
We will host a fundraiser on the last day of school, Friday, June 11th. Sno Biz Delight will be at Bocabella Memorial Park on Regina from 11:30pm – 1:30pm. We have limited the flavors to blue raspberry, strawberry and orange to keep the line down. Cups are $3 each.
Safety town is BACK!
5th Grade Celebration
We are looking forward to another wonderful 5th grade graduation ceremony on June 10th at 9:00. Following the ceremony there will be a treat awaiting them at the park for all the students. Please contact the office with any questions
Senior Walk
This year’s Senior Walk will be at Arno June 4 @2:00. Our proud graduates will be walking our school for some final memories. It’s a great moment for all!
Chromebooks
There will be instructions coming out soon that will detail the collection process for Chromebooks the last week of school- stay tuned.
School Supply Lists are out and ready to go…
This year we are using Teacherlists.com to post all of our supplies. You can access the lists down below from the click-button, or you can access from our Arno site off the main APPS website. This feature also allows you to choose a store, if you wish, which auto sets up the list for purchase and lets you finish the process without ever setting foot in a store.
It is very important that you are sure your email address is updated in our system as class lists will not be posted this fall, please visit MiStar Parent Connect during the last week of August to see your child’s placement. Paper copies will be available the first day of school to be sure everyone gets to their correct classroom.
NO BACKPACKS PLEASE…
Please note that students may continue to carry backpacks through Tuesday, June 8. They will no longer be allowed for the last two half days, which includes the last day of school.
Ways you can show appreciation for your child’s teacher
Teacher Appreciation Week is fast approaching and will take place this year the week of May 3. The PTA has some wonderful things planned for our staff, and there are also other ways you can show appreciation for your child’s teacher:
Write a thank you/appreciation note
Make a special “Thank you” art project
Record a personal thank you video
Send them a digital or ecard
Send them flowers
Tell your child’s teacher what they love about school
Give a special note
Looking for Feedback
Allen Park Schools is looking for feedback from all community members regarding the Code of Conduct for any future revisions to the document. Please use the survey link below to provide us your insight by May 14.
As we close one school year and begin to plan for the next, student placement is one of our primary considerations. Our school team of teachers, administrator and social worker spend many hours working together to form classrooms for next year. We strive to balance classrooms with a blend of students based on academic strengths and needs, social and emotional supports, and the unique personalities of each child.
If you have any special concerns about your child’s placement for next school year, please submit a written explanation of the concern. For example, “my son is very active and needs to be placed in a classroom where he will have opportunities to move around” or “my daughter struggles with reading and needs a teacher with a strong background in reading”.
We do not/cannot accept any requests for a specific teacher. Letters requesting a specific teacher will be not be considered. The one exception is a request for your child to not be placed in a specific classroom based on previous first-hand experience you’ve had with a teacher. And, that parent concern / issue should be documented in the office. All such letters are due to the office no later than Friday, May 21, 2021.
This is the same procedure that has been used in previous years and is the same procedure used at Lindemann and Bennie. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please feel free to contact my office.
Steve Zielinski, Principal
The M-STEP Will Be Underway in May
M-STEP kicks off on May 4 for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade for all students who have not opted out. Please see the schedule below for testing dates:
ALL testing starts at 9:15.
Grade Level
Content Area Assessed
Testing
Grades 3
Mathematics
ELA
May 4
May 11
Grade 4
ELA
Mathematics
May 4
May 11
Grade 5
Social Studies
Science
ELA
Mathematics
May 4
May 6
May 10
May 13
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Thank you for ensuring that you go through the elements of the Screening Tool each morning prior to sending your child to school. This is one way that we can work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Believe it or not even with all of the snow on the ground, the fall will be her before we know it! If you have a child that will entering kindergarten this fall, please take a look at the information and links below to register and get ready for the big day.
“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school! Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!
Allen Park Public Schools- SOC Program Information
Allen Park Public Schools Limited Schools of Choice (SOC) Program for Kindergarten – 8th Grade for 2021-22 School Year
Welcome to Allen Park Public Schools, a district with a tradition of an uncompromising
commitment to excellence. APPS has established a successful Schools of Choice Program for
the past several years and the Board of Education has approved continuation of the program for the 2021-22 School Year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
□ What is the timeline for applications?
▪ Online applications, for Kindergarten through 8th grade, will be available starting
Monday, April 5, 2021 through April 23, 2021 on the district’s website –
https://www.allenparkschools.com/. Please complete a separate application for
each student.
▪ Completed applications must be submitted to schoolofchoice@appublicschools.com on
or before April 23, 2021. No late applications can be accepted.
▪ NOTE: If any information is found to be inaccurate or false, the application will no
longer be considered for acceptance.
□ Current School of Choice Siblings – “Sibling Preference”
By law, the siblings of Schools of Choice students (already attending APPS) have first
priority if an opening exists. However, parents must complete the necessary application
paperwork during the open application period. After the application window closes, we will
assess our enrollment numbers. If we have enough openings in the grade level for each
applicant, we will contact you to let you know you can complete the enrollment process. If
we have more sibling applicants in a grade level than we have openings, there will be a
lottery held for just those siblings. Parents will be contacted with their student’s wait list
number at that time. As openings are determined, we will pull from the sibling wait list
before the new family wait list.
□ When will I know if my child has been accepted as a SOC student?
A random lottery will be held on April 30, 2021. A wait list will be generated for each grade
level. You will be contacted by email and/or phone call by May 4, 2021, as to your student’s
position (number) on the waitlist. As enrollment numbers are assessed throughout the
summer we will fill openings from the waitlist in numerical order. The state allows districts
to offer a school of choice opening up until the end of the first week of the 2021-22 school
year. There will be a minimum of one opening per grade level, K-8.
□ Important Deadline: If notified of acceptance in the Schools of Choice Program,
applicants must complete the online pre-enrollment within 8 calendar days of notification. If the enrollment is not completed within this timeframe the student’s slot will be forfeited.
Specific elementary buildings are not guaranteed.
□ Do students, who have attended APPS but have moved out of the district, receive preference in the SOC application process?
No, the state does not allow us to give preference to students who have moved out of the
district. You will be considered a “new” SOC family thus being placed on the waitlist for new
families.
□ What happens if one of my students gets accepted but the others do not?
The student who has been offered a SOC opening can enroll in the district. Your other
student(s) would need to attend your school of residence. However, you can apply for SOC
in the next school year and your student(s) would be given preference, if openings exist,
over new SOC families. This is not a guarantee of enrollment for the following year for
siblings.
□ Should I enroll my student in my district of residence?
Yes, we suggest that you do enroll your student in your district of residence in the event
that you are not offered a SOC position with APPS. This way you are sure to get all the
correspondence from that district.
□ Is there an orientation for School of Choice Families?
Please contact your student’s school for student orientation dates and times.
□ Will SOC guarantee my child’s path through all levels in APPS?
Yes. After completion of any grade level (i.e., elementary or middle) the student will advance to
subsequent level as appropriate.
□ If I am participating in APPS SOC and I move within Wayne County, can my child continue to attend APPS?
Yes. Please report any changes of address within Wayne County to the Pupil Accounting Office.
□ If I am participating in the APPS SOC and I move out of Wayne County, can my child continue to attend APPS?
No. At the end of the current school year, the student must register in his/her home district.
□ Will my child receive transportation?
Transportation is not provided to SOC students and is the responsibility of the parent.
Students are expected to arrive and depart from school on time.
Please send additional questions via email to schoolofchoice@appublicschools.com or call 313.827.1154 for assistance.
The Allen Park Community School is an alternative high school geared toward students ages 14-19 that have experienced a lack of success in the traditional high school setting. This school is open to all Wayne County residents. The purpose of the Allen Park Community School Family is to introduce, increase and enhance the social skills, academic ability, civic responsibility and creative expression of the individual in an atmosphere that promotes and supports a sense of community, belonging and the development of a positive
image.
For more information and an application for the Allen Park Community School, please call 313.827.2660.
It is the policy of the Allen Park Public Schools not to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight,marital status, handicap or disability. The District reaffirms its long-standing policy of compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC SS2000d et seq. and 42 USC SS2000e et seq.; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC SS1681 et seq.; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC S794; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC SS12101 et seq.; Michigan’s Handicappers’ Civil Rights Act, MCL SS37.1101 etseq.; and, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL SS37.2101 et seq.
The M-STEP starts in April for all of our 5th graders, although the window is open until May3, please make every effort for your child to be school and on time on testing dates. Be sure they also get enough rest the night before, and eat a good breakfast. We are very excited to the scores from our shining stars!
M-STEP Coming up…
4/13 Social Studies
4/15 Science
4/20 & 4/22 ELA
4/27 & 4/29 Math
Don’t Forget Breakfast!
April is a month where students take standardized tests. Your child’s ability to learn and succeed in the classroom improves when he or she has eaten breakfast. When your children eat breakfast at home, try to include three different food groups. An example of this might be low-sugar, whole-grain cereal with milk and a glass of 100% fruit juice or a sliced banana on the cereal. If time is not on your side, that’s okay! Whole grain waffles, a handful of nuts and an apple to eat in the car on the way to school will work. A peanut butter and banana sandwich is also easy to eat on the go and tastes great! Don’t forget that leftovers from the night before can make a good breakfast. Or you could make a fruit smoothie! Blend whatever fresh, frozen, or canned fruits you have on hand with ½ cup of low-fat or non-fat yogurt and you’ve got a delicious breakfast ready to go! Lastly, you can always pack a breakfast to go the night before, so you don’t have to worry about making breakfast in the morning.
Kindergarten Fall 2021
Believe it or not even with all of the snow on the ground, the fall will be her before we know it! If you have a child that will entering kindergarten this fall, please take a look at the information and links below to register and get ready for the big day.
Have to love that Michigan weather, right? While we have certainly had some tastes of spring, we are having cooler days in between that require a jacket for outdoor recess. Please be sure to check the weather update before sending your child to school without a coat. Students go outside even on cool days and we do not have an area for those without a coat to remain in. Thank you for you help on this.
Arno Facebook
“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school! Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!
Congratulations to this year’s Founder’s Day Awards!
We are so proud of you!!
Katie Jensen, Outstanding Educator
Cathy Anderson. Outstanding Support Personnel
Justin from Huron-Clinton Metro Parks, Outstanding Program
Coming soon to Arno…
March 1
Tornado Drill 2:00
March 2
Dr. Seuss’s Birthday
March 4
PTA Virtual Meeting 6:30
March 12
End of Second Semester
March 16
Tornado Drill 2:30
March 17
Happy St. Patty’s Day!
March 19
No School- Teacher PD
Report Card Released
March 23
Fire Drill 2:00
March 27-April 4
Spring Break!!
Arno Vision
Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower
and inspire students to become collaborative learners
that strive for academic excellence
Title I/School Improvement Surveys
It is that time of year… we are in need of your opinion of how things are going at Arno for school improvement planning. Please take a moment and complete this year’s survey that has taken our remote status into consideration. We survey three groups annually- staff, students in grades 3-5, and parents. This valuable information goes into our school improvement planning so Arno can be its very best! The link will be active until March 9. Thank you for your participation in helping us always improve!
“Is the pool at Allen Park Middle School being renovated in this bond”
Yes, a complete renovation is included in the proposal for the APMS pool/pool area; the architectural work also includes upgraded lighting in the pool area. $970,195 has been allocated within the bond proposal for the pool renovation project.
The additional space for the STEM/robotics at APMS is separate from the pool space.
“How about replacing the football, soccer field and track at Allen Park High School?”
Yes, the bond proposal includes athletic facilities upgrades at APMS and APHS as follows from the FAQ document:
Kindergarten Fall 2021
Believe it or not even with all of the snow on the ground, the fall will be her before we know it! If you have a child that will entering kindergarten this fall, please take a look at the information and links below to register and get ready for the big day.
Another fun immersion in reading awaits our Cougars this month! Find out about all of March is Reading Month plans below!
March is Reading Month March Reading Madness
This year to celebrate March is Reading Month, our entire school will be having our very own March Reading Madness Tournament of Books. A variety of books will be enjoyed throughout the month in all grade levels.
March Reading Madness Tournament of Books Each week all grades will listen to the same three books in the tournament and vote for their favorite at the end of each week. The school‘s weekly overall favorites, The Final Three, will move on to “compete” against each other, with students
voting for their favorite book to be the winner of March Reading Madness!
During the last week of the tournament, March 22–26, The Final Three books will be revisited and students will vote for the “Arno National Book Champion” on Thursday. The winner will be revealed on Friday, March 26.
Mr. Zielinski will do a live Zoom reading of the “Arno National Book Champion” during the school day on Friday, March 26 to celebrate our winner and the end of March is Reading Month
Unplugged Tuesdays
March 2, 9, 16, 23
Turn off electronics... and turn on your imagination! Every Tuesday night in
March “unplug” and spend some quality time with your family!
Fashionable Fridays Each Friday dress up to celebrate March is Reading Month!
March 5: Paw–sitively Wild About Reading–Wear Animal Print
March 12: Team Up for Reading–Wear sports apparel
March 26: We “read” all month! – Wear red
March Reading Madness!
All March is Reading Month info plus the calendar:
“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school! Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!
Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower
and inspire students to become collaborative learners
that strive for academic excellence
Picture Day Coming Feb. 18
Picture Day for Arno Elementary is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2021.
This Picture Day event’s Order Code is 50419KF.
This is the direct link for parents if you wish to order online and your child is being photographed on 2/18, https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/50419K. The picture day is provided online when parents click on the link.
**Virtual families, we will get more info out for you to schedule you to come in
We are so EXCITED to have our students back in class! Please review the following return information below:
ELEMENTARY RETURN TO IN-PERSON SCHEDULE
All students will attend in-person instruction Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Wednesdays being remote (at home) for deep cleaning
Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday (FULL DAYS: 8:40am-3:20pm): In-Person Learning for ALL students in ALL grades
Wednesday(HALF DAYS: 8:30am-11:30am) Remote Learning for ALL students in ALL grades
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please review the Return to School Roadmap Virtual Binder created by the Wayne County Health Department. This document outlines safety protocols to keep schools safe based on the status of the Coronavirus.
Procedures related to possible or confirmed COVID-19 cases, reporting, and quarantining are contained in the Virtual Binder link above.
Families will complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families (p. 9 of the Virtual Binder) every day prior to sending children to school. If you answer “YES” to one or more questions, you MUST keep your child home from school that day and consult your primary care provider.
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases must be reported immediately to the school office.
Please report all absences to the school office by 9:00am.
All students in all grades will be required to wear masks at all times in the school building unless eating or drinking. Please practice mask wearing for extended periods of time in the coming days.
Please provide a spare mask in a plastic bag in your child’s backpack. We will have extra masks available if needed. Mask lanyards will be provided for students.
Masks should:
Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric
Completely cover your nose and mouth
Fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps
Gaiter masks: Evaluation is ongoing, but effectiveness is unknown at this time. Single-layer gaiter masks are not recommended by the CDC.
Current spacing between desks in classrooms is a minimum of 3 feet when measured from one child’s nose to the next child’s nose.
Students will remain in their desk area for most of the day. There will be little movement around the classroom or to other parts of the building to reduce close contact wherever possible.
District Chromebooks should come back and forth every day in order for us to be prepared in the event of an unexpected school closure. Please make sure the charger is included.
Please ensure that your child’s Chromebook is fully charged each night before coming to school.
Students will need headphones or earbuds daily. Students may bring these back and forth with Chromebooks daily, or keep a set at school and a set at home. Label with your child’s name.
Classroom surfaces will be regularly cleaned throughout the school day by adults and with the assistance of students where appropriate. A hospital-grade disinfectant and disinfectant wipes will be used in classrooms.
Supply lists may be re-sent from your child’s classroom teacher. Please consult with your child’s teacher about any adjustments that may have been made to the supply list.
Individual water bottles are recommended. Please consider a pop-top or straw-type if possible to avoid spills onto school materials or technology. Label with your child’s name.
Please practice independence with shoe tying, zippering, buttoning, and other clothing features with your child.
Allen Park Public Schools will not be offering district provided bus transportation for our general education students. We will continue to provide daily transportation for our Special Education students.
NWEA testing will be administered during the month of February. Your child’s teacher will provide these details to you.
VISITORS
At this time, no visitors will be allowed in the building. When this policy changes, we will let the community know.
Most meetings can be held via Zoom. If you need to meet in person with the principal, the meeting will be pre-scheduled. In these instances, visitors will be required to wear a mask at all times, a space that allows for social distancing will be used, and visitors will be required to complete the Covid screener through ClearToGo prior to entering the building.
Whenever possible, please refrain from bringing forgotten items to school after the start of the school day. This includes homework, classwork, textbooks, etc.
All visitors MUST go to the main entrance and use the doorbell to inform the office staff what you are at the building for. Office staff will let you know from there what you should do.
It is imperative we know who is in our buildings to ensure for proper contact tracing if needed. Please do NOT enter the building when doors are open during arrival and dismissal.
When picking up a child early, please ring the doorbell and let the office staff know who you are picking up. Office staff will walk the child outside to you at the main entrance.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Families will complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families (p. 9 of the Virtual Binder) every day prior to sending children to school. If you answer “YES” to one or more questions, you MUST keep your child home from school that day and consult your primary care provider.
Families do not need to print the screener or fill anything out online, but must answer these questions at home every morning for yourself.
Arrival time is between 8:40-8:50am at your child’s assigned entry door (see attachment).
Students should not be lining up prior to 8:40am as there will not be outside supervision for students.
Upon arrival, if there is a line forming, students should wait on the painted paw prints.
Arrival beyond 9:00 am will be considered tardy and students must be buzzed in through the front doors of the school.
The beginning of the school day will be a “soft start” as students arrive during the arrival window. Independent work and quiet activities will be provided as students arrive, prior to the day’s instruction.
Bagged breakfast will be provided each afternoon for students to take and eat at home the next morning.
No breakfast will be provided at school in the mornings.
Line up below
LUNCH PROCEDURES
All students will eat lunch in classrooms.
Bagged lunches will be provided through the Food Service Department free of charge through the end of the school year! Choices will include hot lunch, soy butter sandwich, or salad kit. All lunches will be individually packaged.
Please apply for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits, even if you think you may not qualify. Our schools receive additional funding for the number of students eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/welcome
Students may still bring lunches from home if desired.
Please avoid sending lunches with peanut butter products whenever possible.
Please practice the process of opening food packages with your child. Encourage your child to open food packages independently.
Students will clean hands and desks before and after eating in the classroom.
Whenever weather permits, students will have outdoor recess. The recess playground will be open to move around. to keep everyone safe, masks will be worn at recess and students will have seperate mask breaks.
During inclement weather, recess will be held indoors. Students must wear masks during indoor recess.
SPECIAL CLASSES
Specials classes(Art, Music, Phys Ed, Media Lit & Media Tech) will be transitioning into their own classrooms throughout the month of February.
Specials will remain on a 2-week rotation, meaning that classes will have the same special every day for 2 weeks at a time. Your child’s teacher will let you know what special your child will have in the coming weeks. Please consider the following for specials:
Phys Ed classes will be outside whenever possible, weather permitting. Phys Ed classes require students to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing. During the winter months, please send your child with appropriate clothing which includes a coat, hat and gloves.
Media Tech classes will require headphones (see above). Please let your child’s teacher know if he or she is unable to bring headphones or earbuds to school daily.
Art classes may utilize some shared materials. Materials will be sanitized between classes.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Dismissal time is between 3:0-3:20 pm at your child’s assigned dismissal door.
PLEASE NOTE that the dismissal door may not be the same as your child’s entry door!
One class will exit each dismissal door at a time. Your child’s teacher will communicate which order their class will exit the assigned door.
Parents with multiple children: please meet your youngest child at his or her exit door first. Make a plan with your older children about where to meet you (wait at their door, meet at a designated spot, etc.).
Please leave the school grounds as soon as you connect with your child(ren) so as to promote social distancing.
We know that a return to in-person learning brings both excitement and uncertainty. We are committed to working together with our families as partners as we learn new things, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep each other safe. Please contact our office if you have any questions at any time. Thank you in advance for your continued support and cooperation.
This month with our students back in the classroom we will giving the reading and math Winter NWEA test. Please stay tuned for more specifics testing information from your classroom teacher.
February is Black History Month!
Every day this month, the Arno students are learning about a special Black American in history – ranging from Rosa Parks to Lebron James! During these daily videos, students are learning interesting facts and accomplishments by past and present scientists, athletes, artists, activists and more – all from our very own Arno Teachers! In addition to learning about these leaders and heroes, the students are also discovering important vocabulary and concepts, such as acceptance, diversity, equality and racism. Classroom teachers are also extending instruction with various activities and literature.
Keep the conversation going at home! Ask your child who they learned about in each day’s lessons. Use multiple resources to do more research – like YouTube, multiple websites, books, and museums and institutions.
Introducing a great new fundraiser called Givebacks! You get to save on things you can actually use – and our PTA gets up to 20% back!
Help us support our school.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Go to our eStore https://arnopta.memberhub.store/store?category=Sponsors to shop, save, and support.
2. Our PTA automatically gets up to 20% donated back!
3. We’ll be adding new Givebacks about every week from brands you know and love, plus some new finds to discover.
This is the perfect way to jump start your holiday shopping!
It’s that Simple – CLICK – SAVE – SUPPORT
Don’t forget to share your purchases on social media! The more you share, the more funds we raise.
Thanks!
Arno pta
P.S. If YOU own a business and you’re interested in doing a Givebacks to benefit our school, please let us know! We want to include your business.
March is Reading Month
Information coming soon on this as we discuss how to handle this event this year. Also coming in March, the PTA will be hosting a virtual book fair- certainly something to look forward to!
Arno Facebook
“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school! Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!
Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower
and inspire students to become collaborative learners
that strive for academic excellence
Happy New Year Cougars! As we start 2021. our current remote schedule will continue through at least January 22. This month the Board of Education will once again evaluate the current learning plan, review the current Covid data, and make the best decisions to move Allen Park students forward. The district will notify you of any changes to the current remote plan should it change. Until then, please plan on having your child on Google Meet (the district has made the switch from Zoom) and follow your teacher’s current schedule. Looking forward to a better 2021!
Steve Zielinski, Principal
Congrats!!
The annual Founder’s Day Awards were announced at December’s PTA meeting. Congratulations to all our winners! The award winners will be recognized for their accomplishments in the near future.
Outstanding Educator
Katie Jensen
Support Person
Cathy Anderson
Outstanding Program
Huron-Clinton MetroParks
REMOTE LEARNING ATTENDANCE
Our Arno staff is working extra-hard to create a vibrant and engaging online learning experience for our students until our return. Please make every effort to ensure that your child is attending class Google Meet, intervention time, appointments with special service providers, and completing all assigned classwork. We know that the remote learning environment poses many challenges, and we appreciate you working together as partners with us. We need to be able to connect with your child online to provide the best supports possible so all of our Cougars can reach their greatest potential!
Social/Emotional Forgiveness Theme for January
Forgiveness means choosing to
let go of anger and resentment
toward yourself or someone else.
Students learn how to forgive
themselves and others if they’ve
made a mistake, caused an
accident, or hurt someone as a
result of their actions. Forgiveness
has been shown to improve
relationships, decrease anxiety
and stress, lower blood pressure,
lower the risk of depression, and
strengthen immune and heart health.
Even though we are virtual right now, we are continuing to use our building PBIS strategies in our remote classrooms. One of those traditions that are we will continue is lunch with the principal. Instead of meeting up for pizza, I will be zooming in with all of our Remote super cougars over lunch so we can enjoy still being together, but in the safety of our own homes. Each teacher will pick one Super Cougar and will be out with some invites for those students soon.
On the bottom of each district device is a barcode sticker. To quickly assist you with the issue, please provide us with that number on the sticker when submitting your request below.
Furthermore, if you have an issue with logging into an account, please provide us with your child’s student user ID number when submitting the request.
Please use your Google login (2001####@appublicschools.com)
Seesaw login
Please use your Google login (2001####@appublicschools.com)
Think Central
Please use your Google login (2001####@appublicschools.com)
Microsoft Office (portal.office.com)
Please use your Google login (2001####@appublicschools.com)
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
We have once again had to reschedule our Fall Picture Day for a date when we hope students to be at school in person! Please stay tuned for more information! School pictures are for students who will be in-person and on the Virtual Learning track.
Goodbye, 2020! holiday cards announce. What a year! we exclaim to each other. We can’t wait for 2020 to be over. But as we settle into a hard winter, I can’t help wondering: Will 2021 really be any better?
With the vaccines and a new administration coming, many are optimistic. But we are not at the end. We are in what Harvard Business School’s Rosabeth Moss Kanter famously calls the “messy middle,” where everything is hardest.
When everything went sideways this year, we were collectively freaked out—and also energized. We bought groceries for our neighbors and protested peacefully. We bravely adjusted to massive changes in the way we work, educate our children, shop, and socialize. But in the midst of crisis, we’re seeing just how little support our society offers to working parents, the unemployed, and many others who are struggling. Our surge capacity is depleted. The adrenaline is gone. We need a hug—from someone outside of our household.
This is what happens with all big change, and the bigger the change, the more tempted we are to give up, to turn our attention to something shiny or delicious, to seek short-lived hits of pleasure in lieu of long-term meaning.
It’s too early to give up, friends. This messy middle is hard, and the coming year is not likely to be anything close to “normal.” Instead of just waiting—another year, maybe more—for it all to be over, we’ll do better to re-engage with the things that bring us meaning in life. So put down that cookie (I’m talking to myself here) and use this checklist to set your mid-pandemic course correction on the best possible path. Even if it feels like all you’re doing is trying to survive, these questions may help you gain a sense of control amid the uncertainty.
1. What do you want to take with you when this is all over? While I’m sure a lot about 2020 didn’t work for you, this is the time to reflect on what has. If you’re not leaving the house much, what do you like about being home more? Many teenagers are benefiting from increased family time and more sleep. What is working for you?
2. What are some aspirational goals that you could set for yourself?Research shows that setting specific, difficult goals consistently leads to higher performance (if that’s what you’re after). Where in your life would you like to step things up? Perhaps you’d like set up a gratitude practice, or maybe you’d like to spend less time on social media. Where can you do better despite the pandemic (and everything else)? The goal is not to add more pressure to an already difficult time, but to identify goals that could help you feel better and have more energy at the end of the day.
3. What new habit have you wanted to get into for a while now? Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a meditator. Perhaps your doctor wants you to move more. Like it or not, limited travel can make our daily routines more consistent, and that makes this a great time for many people to establish a healthy habit.
4. How can you invest in yourself? What “deferred maintenance” do you need to take care of? What most of us really need right now is rest. Could you resolve to go to bed earlier a few days per week? Or would you have more energy if you improved your diet? Remember, the best resource that you have for making a contribution to the world is YOU. When that resource is depleted, your most valuable asset is damaged. In other words: When we underinvest in our bodies, minds, or spirits, we destroy our most essential tools for leading our best lives.
5. What do you want to feel more of in 2021? Perhaps you want to feel less overwhelmed and more at peace, or maybe you want to feel more connected to others and less isolated. What behaviors or habits have, in the past, elicited the emotion that you are looking for? Maintenance habits (like cleaning up or getting to inbox zero) might make you feel less overwhelmed; finding purpose tends to make us feel more connected.
SET RESOLUTIONS THAT STICK!
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Talk with your friends and family about these questions; they are important ones. Once you’ve pondered the above checklist, make a list of your answers, and then cross off the ideas you have for goals, habits, or resolutions that simply aren’t realistic, or that your heart isn’t in. There’s no shame in narrowing things down, especially in the midst of this global crisis! Now, more than ever, that means eliminating “shoulds.”
When done correctly, setting goals and making resolutions can shape our behavior for the better. Our habits can make us feel happier, healthier, and more connected to those around us. These are worthy goals in any year, whether we are in a pandemic or not.
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VIRTUAL TUTORING AVAILABLE
Where: On Zoom!! This year, Allen Park High School’s NHS will be offering Virtual Tutoring for all students that attend AP Public Schools. In order to reach the zoom links, we created a Google Site specifically for this, it’s
(https://sites.google.com/appublicschools.com/nhstutoring/home). A student must be using their school email account in order to access the Google Site.
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 4 PM to 8 PM.
How: There will be three zooms per 30 minute block, divided by sections of grades: K-2, 3-5, 6-12. Every zoom will have a breakout room available to focus on certain subjects if needed. Students will not have to sign up in advance to attend a session. This video helps explain how students can join the Zoom tutoring sessions: https://youtu.be/sBqErzN9EKQ
Who: Each zoom session will have two members from NHS in them to help and monitor the other students.
Resources from the Wayne County Health Department
There are many resources for the fight against Covid on the Wayne County site, along with testing site info, school recommendations, and other helpful info.- including recommendations for the holidays. Please click the link for more info:
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